Casino keeping the pedal to the metal

Thursday

Dec 26, 2013 at 3:15 AM

HAMPTON BEACH — The 2013 Budweiser Concert Series at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom was the historic venues busiest ever. With 77 shows and record attendance the Ballroom is showing no signs of slowing down during its ever shortening “off season”.

The Ballroom has already begun announcing shows for 2014, something that has only happened one other time during its 80+ year history. To top it off doors will open earlier than ever before with what could prove to be the concert event of the year.

On Thursday, March 27, the 2014 Budweiser True Music Concert Series will kick off with “Experience Hendrix”, a tribute to the music of Jimi Hendrix. Performing together on stage will be: Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys and Jimi Hendrix Experience), Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton (From Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble), Eric Gales, Ana Popovic with more artists to be announced.

In addition to the Hendrix Experience, the Ballroom has also announced the long awaited return of the newest “Comedy Central” star, Bill Cosby Aug. 16 and axe-man Joe Bonamassa May 16.

Constructed in 1899, the Casino Ballroom at Hampton Beach has drawn millions of people through its doors for over 10 decades, the 2,200 seat venue has expanded its season to run from April through November. The Ballroom has played host to entertainments biggest names, from legends like Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and the Doors to current mega stars like Jeff Dunham, Stone Temple Pilots and Counting Crows. As the centerpiece of the Beach, the Ballroom provides an unsurpassed avenue for a diverse line-up of events each year that includes Blues, Country, Rock, Folk, Pop, Oldies, Comedy and Boxing.